OGT releases first in a new line of cancer microarrays

Oxford, UK – 07 March 2012. OGT, provider of innovative genetics research and biomarker solutions to advance molecular medicine, has released the first in a number of new microarrays for use in cancer research. The new CytoSure^® Haematological Cancer + SNP array is optimized for the study of the hematological malignancies Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM), as well as Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). The new array offers confident detection of both copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on a single chip for these diseases. This is achieved by utilizing OGT’s novel array design, which combines long oligo array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) probes for CNV detection with fully validated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) content for identifying LOH.

The probes on the new array have been optimized to target regions known to be important in hematological cancers, while providing good backbone coverage. These features facilitate the rapid, reliable identification of key genomic aberrations, while the complimentary, industry-leading CytoSure Interpret Software allows intuitive, single-click data analysis. Using the new array, researchers can move quickly and assuredly from processing their samples to generating relevant biological insight.

James Clough, Vice President OGT Clinical & Genomic Solutions, commented: “OGT has worked in collaboration with leading researchers to develop the CytoSure Haematological Cancer +SNP array. The new array is the first member of a rapidly expanding portfolio we are developing for the genetic analysis of cancerous lesions, with several other additions set to be released in the near future.”

The new CytoSure Haematological Cancer +SNP array offers reliable and accurate aCGH and LOH detection on a single array by utilizing a unique SNP probe design. Analysis is carried out using an intensity-based comparison between the two SNP alleles, meaning that no changes to the standard aCGH protocol are required and any reference sample can be used. This allows the two tests to operate effectively on the same array. In addition, CytoSure arrays utilize 60-mer oligonucleotide probes, which have been shown to offer higher signal-to-noise ratios and increased specificity and sensitivity, providing the highest data quality possible. For optimum performance, the array can be combined with the CytoSure Genomic DNA Labelling Kit, which offers high signal intensities enabling easier allele discrimination.

OGT will be exhibiting, discussing and presenting the new arrays at several meetings around the world over the coming months. These include the International Society of Cellular Oncology (ISCO) Congress 2012 in Mallorca, Spain (4-8 March), the 31^st UK Cancer Cytogenetics Group Meeting in Birmingham, UK (22-23 March) and the Australian Society of Cytogenetics (ASOC) Meeting 2012 in Port Stephens, Australia (23-25 March).

About OGT

OGT, a Sysmex Group company, is a leading global provider of clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions that are created for scientists by scientists - including CytoCell^®, CytoSure^® and SureSeq™ ranges of FISH, microarray and NGS products. The company is dedicated to creating products that enable researchers and clinical decision makers to reach the right care decisions for each patient, every time. OGT strives to unlock the future of genetic clinical care with a commitment to working in partnership with its customers - not only by sharing its expertise of 25 years at the forefront of genetic endeavour, but also by working closely with scientists to understand their unique challenges, and to customise its approach to meet their exact needs. Dedicated to improving clinical care, OGT believes that through partnership—together—we’ll achieve more.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at ogt.com

CytoSure^®, SureSeq™ and myProbes^®: For Research Use Only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. CytoCell: Some products may not be available in your region.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for more than 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on the development of high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for cell, gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Asia Pacific and employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the top tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.